PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out.
- PEN America released “All That Is Lost,” a report detailing the destruction of cultural life and heritage in Gaza. Rooted in the testimonies of Palestinian writers and artists, the report concludes that the Israeli military has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, and has displayed genocidal intent through its policies and actions. “As the lives and voices of Palestinian writers, and all civilians in Gaza, hang in the balance, the devastation of that heritage is not only the erasure of their history, but their hope for the future,” said Summer Lopez, interim co-CEO and chief program officer for Free Expression. Read the full report here and the press release here.
- PEN America expressed deep concern over the McCarthy-esque crackdown on free speech that has followed conservative political activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The group condemned Disney-owned ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely over comments about the assasination, calling the move a “dark new level of capitulation.” Earlier in the week, PEN America expressed alarm over the many dismissals of educators and journalists who had commented on Kirk’s death. Read PEN America’s statements and blog posts here, here, and here.
- PEN America Interim Co-CEO Summer Lopez said Charlie Kirk’s killing nad its aftermath “is actually a perilous moment for free speech in multiple ways. Read it in USA Today.
- PEN America’s experts spoke about the threat to free speech on campuses across the country in Inside Higher Ed, The Guardian, USA Today and NBC News, among others.
- Elly Brinkley, staff attorney for Free Expression programs, explained how the First Amendment applies to speech at work. Read it here.
- PEN America’s Digital Safety Team created a guide on what to do if you are doxed or placed on a watchlist. Read the guide. Viktorya Vilk, director for digital safety and free expression, spoke about the guide to Inside Higher Ed.
- After President Donald Trump sued Penguin Random House and The New York Times for defamation, PEN America criticized his efforts to suppress content he deems unfavorable all while claiming to champion free speech. “This kind of weaponized litigation not only threatens an independent press but also erodes the foundation of the First Amendment,” said Tim Richardson, program director for Journalism and Disinformation. Today, a judge dismissed the defamation suit, deeming it “decidedly improper and impermissible.” Read the full statement here.
- PEN America voiced its opposition to visa restrictions proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, which represent a serious threat to free expression and press freedom. Read more here and provide direct input on the proposal to the Department of Homeland Security here.
- PEN America condemned an immigrant court decision that ordered Mahmoud Khalil be deported to Algeria or Syria, the latest advancement in the administration’s unconstitutional retaliation campaign against him for his pro-Palestinian speech. PEN America also joined an amicus brief challenging the government’s arrest, detention, and attempt to deport Khalil in a federal court of appeals. Read more here.
- Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer this week signed the state’s Freedom to Read Act into law. State Rep. Krista Griffith (D) explained that it all began with an incidental encounter she had with PEN America Freedom to Read Program Director Kasey Meehan. Read the full story here.
- A coalition of free expression groups including PEN America sent a letter to Florida school districts urging them to uphold the First Amendment by returning banned books to shelves. The letter came after a federal court ruled that HB 1069, a 2023 law targeting any book that “depicts or describes sexual conduct,” is unconstitutional. Read more here and read the full letter here.
